Maharashtra
Bombay High Court Orders Jarange To Clear Streets By 2 September Amid Maratha Quota Protests
Maratha Quota Protest (Image Source: X)
The Bombay High Court on Monday (1 September) directed Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil and his supporters to vacate Mumbai’s streets by 2 September, citing serious disruptions caused by the ongoing agitation, the Hindustan Times reported.
In a special hearing, a bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad said the protest had strayed beyond Azad Maidan, the designated site, and spread to several parts of south Mumbai, leading to gridlocks and security concerns.
The court observed that the agitation was “not peaceful” and had violated conditions laid down earlier.
“We are giving Jarange and his supporters an opportunity to rectify the situation immediately and ensure the streets are vacated and cleaned up by Tuesday noon,” the HC said, while terming the situation “grim.”
The bench further questioned the state government’s inaction in clearing the roads, noting that Jarange-Patil’s “fast till death” amounted to a direct threat. The judges pointed out that court premises had been blocked, preventing vehicles of judges and lawyers from entering.
Videos from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) showed protestors dancing to drum beats inside the premises, adding to the chaos.
The court reiterated its 27 August order, stressing that demonstrations must follow the law and remain confined to permitted spaces. It also reminded the government of its responsibility to enforce order if conditions were violated.
Maharashtra water resources minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil urged protestors to respect boundaries.
He said while the right to protest was not in question, gatherings at railway stations or on roads risked damaging the community’s image.
The matter will remain under judicial review, with the state expected to report compliance after the 2 September deadline.
